If you love mashed potatoes but don’t want to spend a long time cooking, this Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is perfect for you. The Instant Pot cooks the potatoes fast and makes them super creamy. Adding garlic, butter, and a little cream gives them lots of flavor without extra work.
This recipe works for many occasions. You can make it for a simple weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or even for meal prep. I remember one weekend when I was short on time. I just put the potatoes, garlic, and butter in the Instant Pot, and in less than 30 minutes, the whole family was enjoying soft and tasty mashed potatoes.
Another great thing is that it is very easy to clean up. Only one pot to wash! The mashed potatoes come out smooth, creamy, and full of garlic flavor every time. They go well with roasted chicken, turkey, or even vegetables, making them a tasty and simple side for any meal.
Why Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes in an Instant Pot?
Making garlic mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot is much faster than cooking them on the stove. On the stove, you have to watch the water boil and stir the potatoes so they don’t stick. With the Instant Pot, you just add the potatoes, garlic, and liquid, set the timer, and let it do the work. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you want hot, creamy potatoes without spending too much time in the kitchen.
The Instant Pot also cooks the potatoes perfectly every time. I have tried making mashed potatoes on the stove, and sometimes they came out too soft or not cooked all the way. In the Instant Pot, the pressure cooks the potatoes evenly, so they are always soft and fluffy. This makes it much easier to get creamy garlic mashed potatoes without worrying about mistakes.
Another great thing is that cleanup is super easy. Everything cooks in the same pot, so you don’t have extra dishes to wash. I remember making mashed potatoes for a family dinner, and only having one pot to clean made the whole process much less stressful. It is simple, fast, and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Potatoes:
- Russet potatoes for fluffy mashed potatoes
- Yukon Gold potatoes for creamy mashed potatoes
- (Optional: mix both for a smooth and hearty texture)
Flavor Ingredients:
- Garlic cloves, peeled
- Butter
- Heavy cream or milk
- Optional: cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess
Seasonings (Optional):
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning for a hint of herbs
- Chopped green onions for freshness
Pro Tip: I often add a little extra butter than usual—it makes the mashed potatoes taste rich and restaurant-quality with almost no effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
1. Prep the potatoes and garlic:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into even chunks so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Peel the garlic cloves and leave them whole or slightly smashed for a milder flavor.
- I like to prep everything in one bowl—it keeps the kitchen tidy and makes adding ingredients easier.
2. Add ingredients to the Instant Pot:
- Place the potato chunks and garlic in the Instant Pot.
- Add water or chicken broth until it just covers the potatoes.
- You can also add a pinch of salt at this stage to season while cooking.
3. Pressure cook and release:
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for about 10–12 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure naturally for a few minutes or use the quick release if you’re in a hurry.
- The potatoes should be soft and easy to mash without sticking to the bottom.
4. Mash with butter, cream, or cheese:
- Add butter, cream, or milk and mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Optional: mix in cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- I often taste while mashing to adjust the texture—it helps me get the perfect consistency every time.
5. Adjust seasoning and serve:
- Add salt, pepper, or other seasonings to taste.
- Give the potatoes a final stir and serve immediately while warm.
- These mashed potatoes go great with roasted chicken, turkey, or any vegetable dish.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Choose the right potatoes:
- Yukon Gold for creamy texture
- Russet for light and fluffy mashed potatoes
- (Optional: mix both for a soft yet hearty mash)
- Yukon Gold for creamy texture
- Watch the cooking time:
- Don’t overcook the potatoes in the Instant Pot
- Follow pressure cooking times carefully
- Release pressure naturally for a few minutes for the best texture
- Don’t overcook the potatoes in the Instant Pot
- Add dairy gradually:
- Pour in butter, cream, or milk slowly while mashing
- Adjust until you get the consistency you like
- Helps prevent potatoes from becoming too watery
- Pour in butter, cream, or milk slowly while mashing
- Try optional add-ins:
- Parmesan cheese for extra richness
- Roasted garlic for deeper flavor
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a tasty finish
- Parmesan cheese for extra richness
Variations You Can Try
| Variation | Description | Tips / Personal Experience |
| Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes | Add grated parmesan cheese while mashing | Gives a rich, cheesy flavor; perfect with roasted meats. My family loved this version at dinner! |
| Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese or Sour Cream | Mix in cream cheese or sour cream | Makes potatoes silky and smooth; cream cheese adds a tangy, restaurant-style texture. |
| Low-Fat / Healthy Mashed Potatoes | Use chicken broth instead of cream or butter | Lighter version but still flavorful; great for weeknight dinners. |
| Vegan Mashed Potatoes | Use plant-based milk and vegan butter | Creamy without dairy; almond milk and vegan butter work well and taste rich. |
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with roasted meats:
- Serve with roasted chicken, turkey, or beef for a creamy, flavorful side.
- I often pair it with simple roasted chicken on weeknights, and it’s always a hit with the family.
- Serve with roasted chicken, turkey, or beef for a creamy, flavorful side.
- Pair with gravy or vegetables:
- Drizzle gravy over the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Goes well with roasted or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- During holidays, a little turkey or beef gravy makes the dish feel festive.
- Drizzle gravy over the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Great for holiday meals and family dinners:
- Easy to prepare ahead in the Instant Pot and keeps warm until serving.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.
- Always becomes a favorite on the table because of its creamy texture and rich garlic flavor.
- Easy to prepare ahead in the Instant Pot and keeps warm until serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing leftovers:
Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 3–4 days. I usually label the container with the date so I know exactly how long it has been stored, which makes it easier to plan meals for the week.
Reheating methods:
Mashed potatoes reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, add a splash of milk or cream and cover to keep them moist. On the stovetop, heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add butter or cream if needed. I personally prefer reheating on the stove because it keeps the texture creamy and smooth, just like when they were freshly made.
Freezing mashed potatoes:
You can also freeze mashed potatoes for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat using your preferred method. Adding a little cream or butter during reheating helps bring back the creamy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking potatoes:
- Can make potatoes watery or gluey.
- Follow the Instant Pot pressure cooking time carefully.
- I once overcooked them and they became mushy—timing is key!
- Can make potatoes watery or gluey.
- Using too much liquid:
- Too much water or broth makes potatoes thin and soupy.
- Measure carefully and add more liquid later if needed while mashing.
- Too much water or broth makes potatoes thin and soupy.
- Forgetting seasoning or over-mashing:
- Skipping salt and pepper can make potatoes taste bland.
- Over-mashing can make them sticky and heavy.
- Taste as you go and mash just until smooth for perfect texture.
- Skipping salt and pepper can make potatoes taste bland.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use frozen potatoes in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can use frozen potatoes, but the cooking time will be a little longer than fresh potatoes. I sometimes keep a bag of frozen potato chunks in the freezer for quick dinners—they cook well in about 15–18 minutes under high pressure. Make sure to check that the potatoes are soft before mashing.
Can I make dairy-free mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! You can substitute milk or cream with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter. I’ve made this version for friends who are lactose intolerant, and they couldn’t believe how creamy and tasty it was. Adding a little extra seasoning helps boost the flavor.
How long does it take to cook mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot?
Typically, it takes about 10–12 minutes under high pressure to cook cubed potatoes, plus a few minutes for natural pressure release. Including prep time, the whole process usually takes around 20–30 minutes. Using the Instant Pot is much faster than stovetop methods, and the potatoes come out tender and easy to mash every time.
Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little cream or butter if needed. I often prepare mashed potatoes in advance for holiday meals—it saves time and keeps the dish creamy and fresh.
Conclusion
Making garlic mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot is quick and easy, and they always turn out creamy and tasty. The Instant Pot does most of the work, so you can focus on cooking other dishes. I often make this recipe on busy weeknights because it saves time and everyone loves it.You can also try different toppings and flavors. Adding parmesan cheese, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs makes the potatoes even more delicious. I like to mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess or use plant-based milk for a vegan version—it keeps the recipe fun and versatile.
The Instant Pot is a real time-saver, giving you perfect mashed potatoes in less than 30 minutes. These mashed potatoes are great for family dinners, holiday meals, or any time you want a creamy, flavorful side without much effort.